Commenting on the attempted car bombings in London and Glasgow, Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the British Medical Association(BMA) Council, said:

"Like others we were shocked to hear of the recent attempted bombings. The news that members of a caring profession may be involved in these atrocities was even more appalling.

"Overseas doctors have made an invaluable contribution to the NHS over the years and it would be dreadful if the trust that exists between patients and doctors, whatever their background, was harmed by these events.

"In the light of the ongoing police investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."